Hundreds of police officers in riot gear have cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Police moved in before dawn on Thursday after ordering more than 1,000 protesters to leave the area.

The officers tore down makeshift barriers and set off flash bangs and flares as they dismantled the site, which was erected on campus a week ago.

More than 100 demonstrators were reportedly detained in the raid.

Student-organised pro-Palestinian rallies and encampments, which began at Columbia University in New York City on 17 April, have spread to more than two dozen states and at least six other countries.

Police assistance has been requested in many instances, and violence has erupted on some campuses. Total arrests across the country over the past fortnight now exceed 1,000.

President Joe Biden directly addressed the wave of protests in remarks from the White House on Thursday, urging participants to uphold the rule of law as they exercise their freedom of speech.

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